October is recognized as National Dental Hygiene Month, providing an opportunity to promote oral health and recognize the work of dental hygienists. It is a good time to raise awareness about the importance of oral health, educate patients on good oral hygiene practices, and highlight the role dental hygienists play in improving both oral and overall health for their patients.
Dental and oral health disease are among the most common health problems in Oklahoma, with most of the population experiencing a dental condition at some time during their lives. However, since most of these problems are preventable, dental hygienists have an important role in influencing oral health outcomes through preventive measures like routine cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatment, and patient education.
At Dental Depot of Oklahoma, dental hygienists like our own Gary W. serve as frontline workers in promoting and protecting the oral health of our patients. They are often the first to interact with and welcome a patient, and they have the time and opportunity to establish trusted relationships with those patients so that every experience in our office is familiar, comfortable, and compassionate.
“It’s important that we connect with our patients and that they know we have their best interest at heart,” says Gary, who has been at Dental Depot’s Central Oklahoma City location for 22 years, and is now seeing his third generation of patients. “When they trust you, they’re more likely to listen to what we’re asking them to do and they’re more likely to keep coming back for the care they need.”
There is a saying that the mouth is the gateway to the body, and while this is certainly true in the literal sense, it’s also true in terms of the mouth’s connection to nearly every other bodily system and function. Oral health—the health of your mouth, teeth, tongue, gums, throat, and oral tissues, as well as the function of those components—is closely linked to everything from cardiovascular and pulmonary function to your mental health, speech, diet, and more.
Taking care of your mouth with good oral hygiene can help prevent infections and serious heart conditions while giving you the confidence to always put your best smile forward. What’s more, good oral hygiene doesn’t have to mean a lot of work. By sticking to the basics of BFF—brushing, flossing, and fluoride—and visiting the dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup, you can enjoy great oral (and overall) health for a lifetime.
For Gary, conveying this to his patients so that they’re more willing to be proactive in their dental health often takes some finesse.
“I try to relate it to something that makes sense to them,” he explains.
With a patient who is a mechanic, for example, he may compare the importance of oral hygiene to the role an engine plays in a car’s function. A younger patient may get a metaphor about the bugs that live in your mouth. Whatever the situation calls for, says Gary, “I try to make it personal to that patient.”
In fact, he says, “I don’t know that I’ve ever given the same answer twice in 22 years.”
If a good daily oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing is the easiest way to preserve your oral health, visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning from a dental hygienist is the most important one.
While daily brushing and flossing is the best way to keep plaque and tartar in check, only a professional cleaning from a dental hygienist can actually remove these sticky, acidic substances before they begin cavities and decay. Bi-annual checkups and cleanings also give your hygienist a chance to clean those hard-to-reach places you can’t get on your own, like between tricky teeth and below the gumline. These cleanings go a long way in preventing the plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to infection, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
During a cleaning, your dental hygienist is also doing more than just polishing your pearly whites. They may also:
Your dental hygienist may also perform specialized procedures such as:
Dental hygienists also play a critical role in patient education and relationships. As the first person you’re likely to see when you come in for your appointment, it’s the responsibility of the dental hygienist to answer whatever questions you may have, address any concerns, and allay any fears with confidence and compassion. They are a great resource for tips on how to improve your oral hygiene routine, product recommendations for unique situations like sensitive teeth or orthodontics, and dietary guidance to help improve your oral health.
Gary is passionate about educating his patients so they can be proactive and involved in their own oral hygiene and health because, “nothing we do at the office will do or undo what you do at home.”
The dental hygienists of Dental Depot in Oklahoma and the work they do is at the very heart of our practice. Not only does their expertise and skill help our patients maintain good oral health by preventing small problems from getting bigger, but they are essential in building and maintaining patient trust and loyalty. They are the first point of contact during an appointment, providing personalized care and attention, and their ability to establish rapport with patients helps alleviate anxiety, creating a comfortable atmosphere that fosters long-term relationships. These positive interactions frequently lead to patient retention and word-of-mouth referrals, strengthening Dental Depot’s reputation within the community.
For Gary in particular, “dental hygienist” may be his job title, but that doesn’t even scratch the surface of what he does on a daily basis.
“Being a dental hygienist is really also part therapy,” says Gary. “People may be coming in to get their teeth cleaned, but they’re also coming in to be listened to and taken care of.” For many, the time spent with the hygienist is the best part of their appointment, and they appreciate someone taking the time to take good care of them.
This is especially true, Gary says, of patients who are apprehensive about visiting the dentist or who haven’t been in a long time.
“A lot of grown adults have a lot of trauma related to their dental care,” Gary explains. “Sometimes it’s from anxiety or being mistreated or embarrassed by other dentists.”
As a dental hygienist, part of Gary’s job is to establish a rapport with these patients, and that starts with listening and connecting.
“I let them tell me why they’re so afraid, then let them know I’ll take care of them, that I won’t get mad or frustrated and they can have a say in how their appointment goes. They learn to trust you, to start taking care of their own dental health, and that can change their lives.”
Beyond patient care, our dental hygienists are integral to the smooth operation of all of our Dental Depot clinics. They assist dentists by performing initial assessments, recording medical histories, and keeping meticulous records of treatment plans, ensuring that every office runs efficiently. Their collaboration with other dental professionals—including assistants and dentists—ensures that each patient receives comprehensive care, and their attention to detail helps maintain the high standards of service that our patients expect and deserve.
The best way to protect and improve your oral hygiene—both this October and beyond—is to stay ahead of it with simple, steady routines and regular cleanings. From educational resources and trusted product recommendations to expert care and comprehensive services, Dental Depot of Oklahoma and our team of dental hygienists make it easy, convenient, and affordable to take care of your teeth during National Dental Hygiene Month and all year long.
With flexible scheduling and a variety of payment options, Dental Depot of Oklahoma can help you discover a beautiful, healthy smile you can’t wait to show off. Find out what a difference compassionate, commonsense care can make and schedule your next cleaning with one of our friendly dental hygienists today!